Donald Trump Reverses Interview Statement About “Some” Punishment For Women Who Have Abortions If They’re Banned

Updated with Trump statement: A few hours after telling MSNBC’s Chris Matthews that if abortions are outlawed, women who get them should undergo “some form of punishment,” he issued a statement suggesting that answer be ignored.

“If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal,” Trump said, “and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman. The woman is a victim in this case, as is the life in her womb.”

Trump’s total 180 had TV news pundits grabbing for the tops of their heads this afternoon. The GOP front-runner reversing so completely a stand he’s taken is as a rare as a unicorn.

Earlier today, Chris Matthews asked Trump in a town hall scheduled to air tonight, “If you say abortion is a crime or abortion is murder, you have to deal with it under the law. Should abortions be punished?” To which Trump responded: “Well people in certain parts of the Republican party and conservatives Republicans would say, yes they should be punished.”

“How about you?” Matthews had pressed.

“I would say that it’s a very serious problem and it’s a problem that we have to decide on. It’s very hard—” Trump had begun to tap-dance.

“But you’re for banning it,” Matthews interrupted.

“Are you going to say, well wait, are you going to say put them in jail? Is that the punishment you’re talking about?” Trump said, trying to turn the tables.

“No. I’m asking you. Because you say you want to ban it. What does that mean?” Matthews shot back.

“I am against. I am pro-life. Yes. I am pro-life,” Trump reiterated.

Matthews periodically scolded Trump during the interview, saying, “This is not something you can dodge,” etc. “It’s not funny,” Matthews snappped at one point, though it’s unclear if that was directed toward Trump, who was trying to turn the talk to Matthews’ Catholic faith, or someone in the audience:

TRUMP: It’s really not funny. What do you say about your church? They’re very, very strict.MATTHEWS: The churches make their moral judgments, but you’re running for President of the United States to become Chief Executive of the United States. Do you believe in punishment for abortion, yes or no, as a principle?TRUMP: The answer is there has to be some form of punishment.MATTHEWS: For the woman?TRUMP: Yes.

Eventually Matthews could not contain himself: “Here’s my problem with this. If you don’t have a punishment for abortion, people are going to find a way to have an abortion. I don’t believe in pushing anybody for having an abortion. I think it’s a woman’s choice.”

Trump, now the moderator, asked him how he reconciled that with his Catholicism. “I have a…moral view,” Matthews answered. “But we live in a free country and I don’t want to live in a country so fascistic that it can stop a person from making that decision.”

Trump asked what he would “say to your church.”

“I say, ‘I accept your moral authority. In the United States the people make the decision. The courts rule on what’s in the Constitution. We live by that.”

Mathews, returning to moderator, told Trump, “By saying you’re pro-life you mean you want to ban abortion. How can [you] ban without some kind of sanction? Then you get into that very tricky question of a sanction. A fine? On human life? Which you call murder? A fine? Or, imprisonment for a young woman who finds herself pregnant? What about the guy that gets her pregnant? Is he responsible under the law for these abortions?”

“I would say no,” said Trump after hemming a bit.

“Well, they’re usually involved,” Matthews snarked.

Matthews’ interview with Trump is part of MSNBC’s full night of town halls/interviews with all the remaining presidential hopefuls except Ted Cruz, who declined to join in the fun. The Matthews interview with Trump will air at 8 PM ET following Chuck Todd’s sit down with John Kasich, at 7 PM ET. But we already know that Kasich, when asked by Todd whether he subscribed to Trump’s suggestion women who have abortions be punished if abortions are outlawed, responded, “Absolutely not…of course women shouldn’t be punished.”

Meanwhile, though Cruz isn’t playing ball with MSNBC tonight, Ted Cruz campaign chairman Chad Sweet this afternoon – but long before Trump’s campaign put out its statement – told CNN’s Jake Tapper that Cruz, like many who are opposed to abortion, believes in punishment for medical professional who perform abortions, not the women who get them. Trump’s response to Matthews’ question once again demonstrates Trump is a “charlatan,” he added.

45 Comments

Further proof that he actually has no idea what his beliefs are on most issues, and that his handlers aren’t exectly schooling him on them either.

He has no grasp on the specifics of the job he is running for. All he wants to do is be “the winner” — just like any other reality TV character.

Stacy Q. • on Mar 30, 2016 2:02 pm

Travis, that’s it in a nutshell. He just wants to “win.” I must admit the fact I’m taking time to comment on this idiot makes me feel like I’m wasting precious moments of my life. I have to go now.

John Q. • on Mar 30, 2016 11:08 pm

Travis, you’re wrong about his consultants not advising him properly. The problem is Trump has repeatedly said that he’s his own best advisor because he has “a good brain.” (LOL)

You can only do what you’re paid to do and advise the candidate as best you can. Whether he or she chooses to listen is their choice. Hillary suffered from not taking the advice of those who had more experience in electioneering in 2008. That lost her an election.

Trump may not have been poised to win in 2016 anyway, but the extent to which he has chosen to listen to his “good brain” goes far beyond losing an election. Leaders from within his own party are bracing for a further shrinking of GOP membership for up to a decade after 2016.

Confused • on Mar 30, 2016 1:45 pm

In that exchange, he didn’t say what you’re saying he said. Did he say it, or didn’t he?

jlpenny • on Mar 30, 2016 1:45 pm

Keep talking Trumpy just keep talking pleasssssse!

With every word he utters voters see how much better the Dems would be for the USA!

Anonymous • on Mar 30, 2016 7:09 pm

AGREED! I’m not political at all but wowza that guy is the best thing that ever happened to the Democratic party.

My Goodness! • on Mar 30, 2016 2:02 pm

Trump NEVER answer any question EVER. Just beats around the bush. Has been doing it since the beginning of this circus.

Anonymous • on Mar 30, 2016 2:05 pm

This is ridiculous. If something is outlawed and a crime there is a consequence. Period. Other GOP say the same but they are horrified by this natural conclusion. It was a stupid theoretical question anyway. I expected better from Chris Mathews.

No One of Consequence • on Mar 30, 2016 2:45 pm

Yeah, except now your guy doesn’t even agree with you.

Wanna tell me again how Trump speaks his mind and isn’t a normal politician who just says whatever is popular?

Anonymous • on Mar 30, 2016 2:51 pm

It’s actually not a theoretical question. It’s probably one of the most pragmatic questions. Just cause your candidate looked like an idiot, doesn’t make the question flawed… just the man answering it.

wonk • on Mar 30, 2016 2:58 pm

Ha! Sure, blame Chris.

Anonymous • on Mar 31, 2016 9:41 am

Personally Chris is an idiot roe vs wade should answer this. Also it should never have anything to do with the doctor when its coming from 2 consenting adults.

If something is outlawed, yes, there is a consequence. Matthews simply asked Trump to clarify what the consequences would be and who would be receiving them. Not Matthews’ fault that Trump spilled the beans on just WHAT a full legal ban on abortion would entail.

What does the presidential nomination have to do with our industry? Nothing. • on Mar 30, 2016 3:37 pm

Why is this being reported on a Deadline? Deadline’s obsession with Trump hating is ridiculous.

I’m a democrat, and I’m sick of the media bashing this guy. I can only imagine the fuel that it’s providing for the right wing Trump fanatics. If the left wants to bury him, quit giving him free publicity. His supporters don’t care what he does.

Entertainment and industry sites need to stop being sucked into the anti-Trump rhetoric. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s getting what he wants.

Gary • on Mar 30, 2016 3:38 pm

The funny thing is that Donald doesn’t even want to be elected but every thing he says to put an end to his campaign only makes his campaign stronger.

Paul • on Mar 30, 2016 10:33 pm

I would have to disagree with you. Just take a look at his share of votes and opinion poll ratings more recently vs. say at the beginning of the primaries. He’s not exactly gaining steam.

Leaving aside how freaking radioactive Roe v. Wade politics can be, once again we are shown in grand fashion that Trump has no ability to truly think on his feet when knocked off script. He can’t ad-lib to save his life. He begins to vamp with such absurd intensity his mental faculties ought to be questioned. He goes into these bizarre tangents. Or in the case of Matthews’ abortion question, makes an utterly horrific gaffe about “punishing” women.

Sanguifer • on Apr 1, 2016 5:04 am

I find it bizarre how it’s considered a horrific gaffe. So You think a person who engages in criminal activity should NOT be punished for it?

Remember, they were talking in the context of abortions being illegal. If we let women off the hook because they were in a difficult situation and desperate when they commited – in this context – a crime, why shouldn’t we do it in every other respect? Woman hires a hitman to kill her abusive husband? Ehh, we better not punish her, she had a good reason after all.

I think it’s a far bigger gaffe to argue that a woman who engages in criminal activity should NOT be punished. Stop infantalizing women, people! They have agency, they have responsibility, and they should deal with the consequences of their own actions like the adult human beings that they are.

And for the record, I would personally prefer for abortion to remain legal.

uc • on Apr 8, 2016 10:05 pm

Thank you for this. I am pro-choice but this is the only comment that makes sense here. It’s really simple: once a thing is made illegal, the doer of the crime (which is what that act has become) is, without mincing words, a criminal, and should be punished irrespective of the emotional underpinnings of such act. The question should be: is it okay to GENERALLY criminalize abortion? or should it be a case to case basis?

labman57 • on Mar 30, 2016 3:49 pm

Trump will likely blame the ‘miscommunication’ on a “bad connection” — of course, the faulty wiring is located somewhere between his ears, his brain, and his mouth.

Other operations.. • on Mar 30, 2016 4:54 pm

If I were a young woman, I’d think about having my womb taken out—wouldn’t be having babies in the service of the “Red State.” Or, I guess the fans of no sex without babies could consider locking up men “down below” until they’re ready to release a sperm to make a baby. The natural conclusions should be enforced equally. Better stop making such sexy movies Hollywood—-you might cause ol’ Ted Cruz to do some sinin’ and nowadays we have DNA testing. (I imagine Donald Trump’s wife had something to do with his change of heart—that might be possible.)

TomCooked • on Mar 30, 2016 5:01 pm

Don’t abort babies! They could be used to build iPhones for 10 cents an hour. BUSINESS!

Anonymous • on Mar 30, 2016 5:55 pm

That you people think he actually wants to be president is more laughable than his campaign. This is Trump sabotaging his chances.

Anonymous • on Mar 30, 2016 7:17 pm

It’s hilarious that you think that man would be clever enough to pull off a stunt like that.

Dorian • on Mar 30, 2016 10:40 pm

You do realize he’s now spending tens of millions of dollars of his own money and tarnishing his own brand in the process right? Several of his tenants have vowed not to renew their leases and countries from Europe to the Middle East have considered banning him from setting foot on their shores. You think he would risk all that just to play a game? Of course he’s serious about this. What a stupid fucking comment.

And again liberals are out for the blood of Trump at any cost. The main prey of both parties stumbles and the claws come out faster than a kardashians tits.

w.j. • on Mar 30, 2016 7:02 pm

Of course, it wasn’t Trump who said it, it was the liberals!

Jen • on Mar 30, 2016 8:52 pm

OK, yeah, blame “liberals” or anyone else except for the person whose mouth this crap came out of. That’s what’s wrong with Trump supporters, looking for someone to blame, and listening to the one who has the biggest line of bs coming out of his mouth. God forbid if he ever acknowledged what he really believed in, the main one being that women are nothing but a convenience for him, and that he only wants to surround himself with walking show pieces without a brain in their heads.

Sunrise250 • on Mar 30, 2016 9:43 pm

That’s an exaggeration… nobody’s claws are that fast.

stan • on Mar 30, 2016 6:48 pm

If a woman wants to have an abortion then its none of our business.

jcj • on Mar 30, 2016 7:23 pm

With Obamacare i now pay $550 with blue cross before obamacare the same policy was $150, this is why i’m voting for trump. If i were to take the government hand outs for discounts on the insurance then what i could make per year would be cut here half. Another words i would be even worst. And last time i checked abortions are legal. So it’s not even a issue. It’s sad when you think about all the young lives the democrats have taken from us.

John Q. • on Mar 30, 2016 10:59 pm

Bullshit.

First of all, Blue Cross has nothing to do with the healthcare exchange system – they’ve been prohibitively expensive for decades as their own entity, and anyone who has been without a job that provides low cost healthcare as a benefit knows this.

Second, I’ve seen Blue Cross’ expense estimates as recently as 2 months ago for coverage in the largest state in the country, and you’re overexaggerating by about $200.

Third, if you’re so concerned about Blue Cross’ expenses, why not just join a company that provides low-cost healthcare, if not just to save on staggering bills?

Last, at last resort, Medicaid is available in an overwhelming number of states if your income meets the threshold.

Please take your bullshit somewhere else. This is Deadline, not Drudge.

Anonymous • on Apr 1, 2016 10:53 am

You need Obamacare, it helps with mental issues which you obviously have!!

Tere Niles • on Mar 30, 2016 7:27 pm

From the mouths of babes….tell me who thought that after Republicans removed the Right to Choice and started jailing Doctors that they wouldn’t start looking at penalties for women. After all it is against the law for a man to solicit sex — how long would it be before they pushed another law and punishment on us.

Why do candidates even respond to these ridiculous questions. Unless he is running to be a Supreme Court justice, his opinions about abortion are irrelevant…

KWK • on Mar 31, 2016 1:19 am

This reality show presidential wannabe really needs to start thinking before he shoots off his mouth. What a maroon.

Ms.Marie • on Mar 31, 2016 6:27 am

This man has no ideal about running this country he is a communist, a fascist a racist, a tyrant, a rambunctious liar.He is gonna make America great again by punishing woman for getting and abortion. Every harsh word he says identifies my opinion about him. A woman should not be punish for deciding what she does with or to her own body. All his controversial behavior will lead this country to tyranny and disaster. May god help us all.

Anonymous • on Mar 31, 2016 7:38 am

Asking men what women should do with their own bodies! How utterly outrageous. Perhaps if they kept the apparatus in their pants we would not have this issue and would not be identifying America’s greatness with punishing woman.

John Grassi • on Mar 31, 2016 7:01 am

You all think this is a game, including Matthews is how I see it. We are in the area of 100 trillion dollars in debt and you keep pounding on abortion – leave it up to the supreme court.